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HNC Fitness, Health and Exercise (Uniformed and Emergency Services)

  • Qualifications Higher National Qualifications
  • SCQF Level SCQF Level 7
  • Study mode Full-time
  • Campus Kilmarnock
  • Start date August 2025
  • Duration 36 weeks
More information

Attendance/Duration

Full-time, one year

Overview

This comprehensive course is designed to equip you with the physical and mental capabilities essential for a successful career in the uniformed and emergency services. You will gain a deep understanding of exercise science, personal health, and wellness, with a strong focus on the physical and psychological demands of emergency service roles. Key areas include cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition - critical for tasks such as carrying heavy equipment, reacting quickly in high-pressure situations, and maintaining performance during extended shifts under stress.

Entry Requirements

  • a genuine interest in sport and fitness
  • two Graded Highers (A-C) OR a pass in a relevant NC course at SCQF Level 6
  • interview with us
  • membership in the PVG scheme  – the College will arrange this.

If you have no formal qualifications, but have life experience, we'll consider you.

Course Content

This course will equip you with the essential skills & knowledge required for roles such as police officer, firefighter, or armed forces. You will explore:

    This course equips you with essential skills for roles like police officer, firefighter, or armed forces. You'll explore:

    • Core Strength & Posture: Develop foundational strength for physically intensive tasks and long shifts.
    • Health & Safety Management: Learn to assess and manage risks in training and operations.
    • Exercise Physiology & Anatomy: Understand body function under stress, focusing on vital emergency response systems.
    • Principles of Exercise & Program Design: Design fitness programs tailored to uniformed service requirements.
    • Graded Unit 1: Fitness, Health & Exercise: Apply learning in a practical project to plan, implement, and evaluate emergency service fitness strategies.
    • Flexibility Training: Master mobility techniques to reduce injury and boost operational performance.
    • Inclusive Sports Provision: Adapt activities to support inclusivity and cohesion in diverse service teams.
    • Physical Activity for Children: Engage and educate young people in physical activity for community outreach.
    • Planning, Teaching & Evaluating Group Exercise Sessions: Build leadership by delivering group fitness, simulating team training.
    • Working Effectively & Safely with Clients: Enhance communication, professionalism, and safety awareness in high-pressure situations.

Careers and Further Study

By choosing this course, you may gain:

  • Career Readiness - Build the strength, stamina, and mindset required for roles in the police, fire service, armed forces, and other emergency sectors.
  • Enhanced Physical Fitness - Establish a solid foundation in personal fitness to support both professional performance and long-term health.
  • Performance Under Pressure - Gain the confidence and capability to operate effectively in high-stress, fast-paced environments.
  • Leadership and Teamwork Skills - Develop essential interpersonal skills through collaborative exercises and real-world scenarios.
  • Progression Opportunities - Open doors to advanced qualifications and specialised training programs within the emergency services field.